ST. CLOUD, MN, Dec. 4, 2018 /CNW/ - (TSX: NFI) New Flyer of America Inc. ("New Flyer"), the U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. ("NFI"), the largest transit bus and motor coach manufacturer in North America, today announced that the Victor Valley Transit Authority ("VVTA") has awarded New Flyer a new contract for seven forty-foot, zero-emission, battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE™ heavy-duty transit buses.

The buses commence the evolution of VVTA's current fleet to zero-emission as the agency works toward a goal of 100 percent electric public transit by 2040. VVTA has partnered with local energy provider Southern California Edison (SCE) on its Charge-Ready Transit Bus Program, which assists in deployment of make-ready electric vehicle charging infrastructure solutions for qualified agencies. The move also provides access to early adoption incentives like the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) provided by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

"Factoring in all unique variables, including steep hills, long distances, extreme weather, and traffic patterns, we are confident that our New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE buses will lead sustainable transit forward in San Bernardino County," said Ron Zirges, Director of Maintenance and Facilities, VVTA. "With over 50 years' experience manufacturing zero-emission buses, New Flyer is an ideal partner to help us achieve 100 percent zero-emission public transit by 2040 – bringing cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable transit solutions to our community."

New Flyer has delivered over 10,000 buses to the state of California, beginning with zero-emission trolley-electric buses in 1972. To date, New Flyer has sold 77 Xcelsior CHARGE™ electric buses across California with battery-electric bus programs in Coachella Valley, Los Angeles, Oakland, Orange County, and San Diego – proving that zero-emission transportation is today's reality, with California as an established climate leader.

"We are proud to continue building the zero-emission footprint in California, and to support Victor Valley Transit Authority in achieving the 2040 goal while exceeding upcoming federal and state clean air mandates," said Wayne Joseph, President, New Flyer of America. "The evolution to battery-electric transit and supporting infrastructure takes advanced planning and dedication, and we commend VVTA on its commitment to eliminate emissions in pursuit of sustainable transit, a healthier community, and thriving environment in California."

The Victor Valley Transit Authority provides public transit agency in San Bernardino County, delivering over 2.5 million passenger trips per year.

NFI has over 50 years of experience in manufacturing zero-emission buses (ZEBs), with more electric buses on the road in America than any other manufacturer. It is the only provider of full suite bus solutions in North America, offering transit, motor coach, and low-floor cutaway buses, and is the only manufacturer of all three zero-emission propulsions.

New Flyer offers four locations in California to support customers with bus service, parts, and manufacturing support, located in Ontario, Los Alamitos, Fresno, and the Bay Area (Hayward).

In 2018, New Flyer became the first bus manufacturer in the world to sign on to the Shared Mobility Principles for Livable Cities, joined CharIN to support industry charging standards for all electric vehicles, became the first licensee outside the Volvo Group to join OppCharge in North America, signed CALSTART's Global Commercial Drive to Zero to support fast-tracking adoption of clean trucks and buses, and also signed the Transportation Electrification Accord focused on driving an equitable and prosperous future for electrified transportation.

About NFI Group

With nearly 6,000 team members, operating from 31 facilities across Canada and the United States, NFI is North America's largest bus manufacturer providing a comprehensive suite of mass transportation solutions under several brands: New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit buses), ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses), MCI® (motor coaches), and NFI Parts™ (parts, support, and service). NFI buses incorporate the widest range of drive systems available including: clean diesel, natural gas, diesel-electric hybrid, and zero-emission electric (trolley, battery, and fuel cell). For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, NFI posted revenues of US $2.4 billion. NFI common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol NFI. News and information are available at www.nfigroup.com.

About New Flyer

New Flyer is North America's heavy-duty transit bus leader and offers the most advanced product line under the Xcelsior® and Xcelsior CHARGE™ brands. New Flyer actively supports over 44,000 heavy-duty transit buses (New Flyer, NABI, and Orion) currently in service, of which 7,300 are powered by electric motors and battery propulsion and 1,600 are zero-emission. Further information is available at www.newflyer.com.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements relating to expected future events and financial and operating results of NFI Group that involve risks and uncertainties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, investors cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be material. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including market and general economic conditions and economic conditions of and funding availability for customers to purchase buses and to purchase parts or services, customers may not exercise options to purchase additional buses, the ability of customers to suspend or terminate contracts for convenience and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in the materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Due to the potential impact of these factors, the NFI Group disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.

SOURCE New Flyer of America Inc.

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